• Oil-soluble AHA with deep pore-cleansing power
• Non-irritating, suitable for sensitive skin
• Fades hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks
• Slows signs of aging with gentle resurfacing
• Ideal for acne-prone, dull, and textured skin

Mandelic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds. Unlike glycolic or lactic acid, it has a larger molecular size, making it gentler and slower penetrating — ideal for sensitive, dark-toned, or acne-prone skin. Mandelic Acid offers dual-action benefits: exfoliates the surface while penetrating deeper into pores to fight bacteria and regulate sebum. It promotes brighter, smoother, and clearer skin, and is suitable for leave-on serums, peels, and exfoliating toners.

INCI Name: Mandelic Acid

Molecular Formula: C₈H₈O₃

CAS Number: 90-64-2

Solubility: Soluble in alcohol, glycols; slightly soluble in water

Add Phase: Solubilize separately in glycol/alcohol

pH Stability: Optimal at pH 3.5 – 4.5

Processing Temperature: Below 45°C

Functional Groups: Carboxylic acid (-COOH), Hydroxyl (-OH)

Appearance: White crystalline powder

Odor: Odorless

Molecular Weight: 152.15 g/mol

Flash Point: > 100°C

Density: ~1.3 g/cm³

• Usage Rate: 1% – 10% (lower for daily, higher for peels)
• Add during cool-down phase after solubilizing
• Ideal for: Exfoliating Serums, Toners, Acne Gels, Peeling Masks

🌙 Start with a 5% Mandelic Acid night serum and apply on clean skin after toner. Use 2–3 times a week and always follow up with SPF during the day for best results.

✔️ Excellent for oily, sensitive, combination, and darker skin tones

✔️ Suitable for acne-prone and hyperpigmented skin

⚠️ Not recommended for broken or extremely dry skin without buffer ingredients

1. Gentle Exfoliating Night Serum

Use 5% Mandelic Acid in a glycerin + propanediol base with panthenol and licorice extract for tone correction and acne clearing.

2. Clarifying Toner

Blend Mandelic Acid with cucumber extract and betaine in a hydrating base. Use at 3% for daily exfoliation and glow.

3. Post-Acne Spot Treatment

Formulate a 10% Mandelic Acid gel with alpha arbutin and azelaic acid for fading spots and smoothing rough texture.

4. Peel Mask for Oily Skin

Create a rinse-off clay-based mask with Mandelic Acid and tea tree oil to reduce congestion and exfoliate dead skin.

5. Anti-Aging Cream with AHA

Add 3% Mandelic Acid into a night cream with peptides and squalane for fine line smoothing over time.

Performance rating based on exfoliation safety, compatibility, and product type flexibility.

Serums
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Ideal for exfoliating serums and targeted acne products.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Works well in night creams for glow and resurfacing.



Toners
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Perfect in daily glow toners and brightening waters.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Used in rinse-off clay masks or peel masks.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Can exfoliate mildly in foaming or cream cleansers.



Hair Masks
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not suitable for hair use.



Deodorants
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not suitable or necessary in deodorants.



Eye Creams
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Avoid near delicate eye area due to exfoliating nature.



Shampoos
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not applicable in hair cleansing formulas.



Soaps
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Incompatible with high-pH soap formulations.



Conditioners
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in rinse-off conditioners.



Lip Balms
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Should not be used on lips.



Body Butters
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Can be added to emulsified body lotions for KP or body acne.

Q1: Is Mandelic Acid safe for daily use?

A1: Yes, at low concentrations (2–5%), it’s safe for daily or alternate day use. For peels (10%), use once a week.

Q2: Does Mandelic Acid cause purging?

A2: It may cause mild purging as skin cells turn over faster, especially if pores are clogged. This usually resolves within 2–3 weeks.

Q3: Can I use Mandelic Acid during the day?

A3: Yes, but always wear sunscreen as AHAs increase sun sensitivity.

Q4: Is it safe for darker skin tones?

A4: Absolutely. It’s one of the best acids for melanin-rich skin with less risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Q5: Can I combine it with Niacinamide or Retinol?

A5: Yes. For sensitive skin, alternate days are recommended. Avoid layering with strong retinoids initially.